We’re hosting Thanksgiving here in Nashville this year, so I needed to come up with a quick (and informal) table before the family arrives. My goal was to use what I have rather than buying new. With the exception of the champagne-colored chargers (a cross between gold and silver, and therefore more versatile, IMO), I succeeded.

My best helper was in charge of making the place cards.

I didn’t use my formal china this year–just my everyday white! I did use the good silver, the “everyday” crystal, depression glass for bread plates, salt cellars (my kids love those tiny spoons), and apothecary style spice jars for individual vases. My decorations are all natural–pine cones, osage apples, spanish moss, berries, d’Anjou pears, and dried hydrangeas. I gathered most of them out back, although I will admit that I carry my favorite huge pine cones around with me when we move (the movers were convinced I was crazy!). I apologize for the pictures–we’ve had nothing but rain the last few days and there’s NO natural light to speak of.

Dried hydrangea centerpiece with scattered pinecones.

I used canvas painter’s dropcloths as tablecloths for the table and the buffet, and tied the sides up with jute twine. My table’s extended to 12′ right now and I realized that I can’t find my super-long tablecloth–but this worked great with the color scheme, anyway.

The buffet will be a resting place for food on Turkey Day, but for now it’s holding random items.

FYI, the “B” pumpkin was on sale for 80% off at Hobby Lobby this past week, making it $5. Score! The “Thankful” subway art can be printed at Over the Big Moon here, and there’s a darling banner that you can print out, too (mine’s hanging above the buffet).

We’re going to enjoy a piano concert during our dessert.

More hedge apples (osage apples) from my backyard–I am obsessed!

The head of the table–see the gobble, gobble on the place card?!

Sorry about the glare from the chandy in this last picture…one day when I share the dining room I’ll have to show you the hideous fixture that was up there before I scored this Ballard Designs Grande Claire off Craigslist for $100.

All it needs now is the turkey!

We are so very thankful to God for all of His tremendous blessings. Have a very Happy Thanksgiving with your families!

Hey, Emily– Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! There is only one thickness of drop cloth–but avoid the ones that have a plastic backing on one side. They don’t wash as nicely. And the size will depend on your tables, but I’d try to find one that you don’t have to cut if at all possible. They make them in quite a variety of sizes. Good luck!

Sure, Monica. It’s a canvas painter’s drop cloth, believe it or not! I have this one but you can find them at the hardware store, too. They’re so inexpensive. They won’t fit your table exactly but you can bunch them on the sides like I did. Happy Thanksgiving!